Charlotte’s attorney says no to rink support

December 24, 2012

SINCLAIRVILLE -William Duncanson, who serves as the attorney for both the Town of Charlotte and the Village of Sinclairville, usually sits silently in the back row when either board meets.

At the most recent meeting of the town board, Duncanson uncharacteristically offered an opinion before asked. Councilman Daniel Pavlock asked if the town could consider helping a church that was erecting an ice skating rink.

Town supervisor Kenneth Bochmann asked if Pavlock had received a direct request. "No," answered Pavlock, "but it could be coming."

The Village of Sinclairville had received a request to do snowblowing on the rink once it was in place.

Duncanson said, "I advised the village not to do it. The liability on something like that is enormous. ... It's a nightmare. It would be the same liability as a swimming pool."

Pavlock said sometimes the liability has to be assumed to provide something good for the community.

Duncanson pointed out the church was planning no supervision for the rink, and the rink is right next to the road. "I can just imagine the depositions going on (in case of an accident)."

Councilwoman Varsi Peterson commented, "It's really sad that there is so little to do for kids; that's why they're stealing frosties." Peterson was referring to decorations stolen from her. "I had to get that in," she said.

In other matters:

Randy Graham, Acco-unt Executive from Stone Melhuish Insurance, reviewed the town's insurance, telling the board it looked like the cost would be very close to last year's figure. There was a discussion of whether the highway building was on the flood plain or not. It was listed on the policy as not. This makes a difference in the availability of flood insurance. Clerk Darla Frost-Kianos found the map detailing the flood plain. She and Bochmann studied it and gave an opinion that it was on the plain. The board asked Graham to look into the cost of insurance for the building.

Highway Superinten-dent Doug Walker indicated the heating system is up and working in the town highway building. "We're just waiting for it to snow," he said. He also wanted the board and the public to know that potholes cannot be fixed in the cold weather.

The board will have its year-end meeting on Dec. 26 and its reorganizational meeting on Jan. 2. Both will be held at 7 p.m.